ABOUT RWANDA
Rwanda is a land of great diversity and beauty. Kigali is the capital city of the country. Popularly known as ‘the land of a thousand hills’, and a landlocked country. Rwanda has five volcanoes, twenty-three lakes and numerous rivers, some forming the source of the great River Nile. Rwanda is a small landlocked country in Central Africa bounded by Uganda in the north; by Burundi in the south; on the East is Tanzania; and in the west is the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rwanda is safe and secure with an overwhelming renaissance of national pride and cultural reconstruction. It is full of sights and delights, waiting to be explored. The country is well known mostly because of it’s horrible past that culminated into genocide in 1994. Rwanda is experiencing a tourism rebound after falling off the map post-genocide. Due its small size, Rwanda tourist attractions are near each other and can be reached quite easily and safely.
Environment
Rwanda has strict environmental laws. The use of plastic bags (polythene papers) has been banned. Beware not to carry such since they will not be allowed into the country at the borders and airports checkpoints. Kigali is a clean and green city. You are expected to throw your litter in rubbish cans which are fitted all over. Walk along the provided foot paths. Do not step on the grass.
Umuganda
The morning of the last Saturday of every month is Umuganda or community service. This initiative was introduced by the Rwandan Government to get the entire population to devote some time to their local community by cleaning the streets, cutting grass verges, repairing dirt road and various other organised activities. International visitors are not required to participate, but some tour operators can organise opportunities for tourists to get involved. Most shops and transport are closed for the morning.
FACTS
- Agriculture: Coffee, Tea …
- Industry: Coffee and Tea factories, Textiles, plastic……
- Religion: Christians 60%, Protestants 25% Muslims, 10%, Others5%
- Language: Kinyarwanda is the National language, while French, English and Swahili are official languages. English is widely spoken throughout the country and is mostly used as the business language
Rwanda has three main conservation areas:
- The Volcanoes Park
- Akagera Park
- Nyungwe Forest.
Money and currency:
Rwanda’s unit of currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF).
It is recommended to travel with US dollars as most banks and Forex Bureaus do not accept traveler’s cheques in exchange for cash. Only banks, Forex Bureaus, hotels and lodges are authorized dealers as recommended by the company to change money. Credit cards are usually accepted at hotels and major restaurants, souvenirs shops and shopping malls in Rwanda. (Except local markets.)
